The Rainy Season

Well, I kept making fun of the rainy season and I think it took offense; it rained A LOT last week. It started to rain as we were riding home from Umetani san's house on Friday afternoon. It was just a little at first, but we stopped in one of the subterranean cross-the-street-tunnels to put on our rain coats. I was thinking "Oh, it's not raining too hard. Surely we won't need our rain pants as well!" . . .

. . . About 7 or so minutes later, the cats and dogs started coming down. It would have been useless to stop and try to put the rain pants on at that time, because we were already soaked. It poured and poured! Good thing I like rain. . .

Now, however, we are once again experiencing some hot and humid weather. I'm getting a little more used to it, but wow.

Oh, thank you thank you THANK YOU for the package with the Peanut Butter Pie ingredients. I had mentioned how much I loved Peanut Butter Pie to a missionary at Zone Conference and then low and behold: BOOM! Your package arrived! I made the pie for Elder Kajiuchi's birthday (July 3rd).

By the way, yet another beautiful 'Elder Peterson' moment: I followed a recipe in our trusty mission cookbook to make the pie crust. The good thing was that butter can indeed be substituted for a lack of shortening. However, I forgot all about that critical part of pie making where you flour a table top, and roll out the dough to flatten it. . . As I tried to hand-scoop the sticky dough and pat it down into the pie plate I was thinking, "There must be a better way of doing this!" Hee hee. . . About two minutes into the baking I realized with a gasp of horror what I had done. But alas, I was too late. . . However, it still turned out OKAY! So yeah, if you ever feel like sending more PB Pie ingredients, please do. ;)

An update on Umetani San: her interview is scheduled for this Friday. We've been reviewing and practicing with her, so I think it'll go just fine. If everything goes according to plan, the baptism will be held on Sunday the 19th (Sunday so her husband can attend). We met with both of them and the Branch President yesterday to ask for permission to baptize her. He's now deliberating, but we called her last night and looks like things might be okay. There's a chance her husband might even come to church on Sunday! So, we'll see what happens!

Well, to wrap up I figured I'd share a few tidbits of Izumo culture. There are cute little signs everywhere displaying cheerful puppies carrying bags and pooper-scoopers -- Japan seems to be very clean and hygeine-oriented. Ooh, and the post men are awesome, speeding around on these sleek red Vespa Scooters.

Happy Belated 4th of July! (Random: I saw a single, medium-small firework explode in the sky right before we returned home that night. . .)

A worry I've had is that I still don't feel very confident in my planning skills or ideas for effective activities, and sometimes I'll ask my companion what he wants to do or if he has any ideas. He'll often respond that he doesn't have any ideas. Thanks for the words of advice. I needed that and I'm going to start keeping those things in mind, and trying to connect with these people more.

Our district leader called this morning to follow up on goals and such. He complimented me on something and I expressed how I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing. . . in short I was being a bit hard on myself. I've realized that (thanks to your encouragement) and I'll work on it. My district leader gave me a piece of advice he heard at the MTC, "If you ever feel like you're not very good at teaching, at the language, or with something else remember: you ARE in the right place at the right time." I've been feeling a little down about not being able to understand these people I love and care about, but I'm just going to press forward, tell myself that I can, and do all I can to be worthy and deserving of all the blessings that have been promised to me. Sorry if I have sounded a little down. I actually am doing a lot better and the Zone Meeting and Interview this week will help a lot.

Transfers are on the 23rd of this month. I might or might not get transferred, but it would be a good idea to send snail mail letters to the mission home for the next couple of weeks.

{editor's note: the mission home address can be found toward the top-left of this page}

Thank you for all the ingredients, love, and recipes! I love you so much! I am learning so much while on this mission. I’ll keep trying to write everything down so I can share it with you.

There Can Be Miracles

I am in quite a good mood this week. I received Mom's package this week and I am so excited to make those brownies (and the BBQ Pringles are almost gone. . . :) we found an old cook book from the Okayama mission that has a brownie recipe in it, and it works out great too, but I am SOOOO excited to try those Duncan Hines brownies!!! MMMMM!! I love you! Thank you again for your sacrifices for me! I love you so much! I'm thankful for all the help you've given me. I'm thankful that you have supported me in my decisions and have trusted me to make them. My one year anniversary of actually starting Basic Training (ROTC/National Guard) is on the 6th of June. That was the beginning of a journey I needed to take. And it has all led to the here and now.

Thank you for the taco seasoning!!!! I made taco stuff twice this week. The first time I put in way too much water, but we had it over rice, topped with Doritos and salsa, and it was okay. But then we pulled out the tortillas that Kobayashi Choro left and we had real taco/burritos -- even with Taco Bell sauce left by a former missionary. Delicious! The oven in our apato (apartment) actually works, but just barely! It's pretty ancient and limited to 250 degrees.

Mom, I'm glad you liked my little package. I'm guessing this year's birthday was a lot better than last year's ... It's hard to believe a year has already passed since I left you all and headed to Missouri for Basic Training! Time seems to fly right by. I don't think I was able to adequately express my thanks for your last letter. Thank you for your words. When I received your letter, I was going through some rough times and your letter really helped a lot. I want to talk about a couple of things that have changed for me. One is doing dishes a lot. Yeah, back when I was home, I didn't like to do dishes at all. It might just be that if I don't do dishes, we won't have clean dishes... but I have no problem doing them sow. So I'll make sure to help out a lot more when I'm home.

Last week's Zone Meeting and Interview with President Isa were both very good. I'm slowly understanding a little more of what Pres. Isa says in Japanese. . . but I did need some help from Atkin Choro for translation. Yeah, Pres. Isa is fluent in English, but there are a lot of Japanese Missionaries in the Zone, and not all of them speak English. But that's okay! It's hard to understand sometimes, but when I do understand parts and things start to click together, it's awesome!

Remember that we had to take dessert to the Zone meeting: Well, my Cinnamon Cake and Apple Crisp desserts worked out okay, but I forgot the cinnamon in the apple crisp, oh well. . . :)

Things in Izumo are doing quite well! Umetani San CAME TO CHURCH on Sunday!!!! It was the first time I've had an investigator at church with me! Her daughter Haruna came too. Elder Atkin went with her to Primary, and I *"ganbaro"'d with Umetani San in Sunday School with Brother Hamamura (he is such an awesome, fun, enthusiastic teacher!) *Ganbaru is a Japanese word which here means "to hang in there" or "try hard" etc. Sometimes it's easier even in our English conversations to still use the Japanese words, because sometimes, the translations in Japanese are easier than the English way of saying things. . . ;)

Umetani san loved church! And she understood things for the most part. She wants to be baptized; now we're praying for her to gain the courage to tell her husband. . . But hey, one of the miracles from this last week is that she was way nervous to ask her husband if she could go to church. She finally asked him and . . . He said "Yeah, no problem"!

And Haruna was amazing in Primary! She was the first person to raise her hand when the teacher asked, "Okay, who knows who God is?" She was also the first person to volunteer for prayer, and gave both the opening and closing prayers! And this was her first time at church!!

Things are just working out -- with our investigators, with contacting people who showed interest in being taught, and such. We must be doing something right. When I get those down notions that "I'm not doing enough" and “I need to be doing more" . . . Maybe for the current situation, I am doing enough.

One of our Zone Goals is to find something new from Preach My Gospel every week that we're not doing and to try doing it. I've been experimenting with Praying in Faith. I think Sundy told me about that activity from Chapter 4 about having prayers led by the spirit. I tried to work on my prayers a while ago, but I kind of slipped back into a little routine. Well, anyway, I've been really focusing on avoiding the whole "pick up the phone, order groceries, and hang up" style of prayer. I've been trying harder to pray in faith for things like my relationship with Elder Atkin, our Investigators, being able to meet with people, etc.. I'm not saying it's just because of MY prayers, but I think it's been having an effect. Prayer really is powerful when it is offered with a sincere heart. It seems like sometimes we fall into these little ruts of praying to God, but not really thinking about how he can actually hear us, and about how he actually cares about us. Try it out, look at that Evaluate your Prayers activity from Chapter 4 of PMG.

I'm glad I get to be working with Atkin Choro. We are pretty different; we share some similar interests but our senses of humor are completely different. And, I get the feeling that he thinks I'm a stick in the mud when I don't laugh at all of his jokes. Don't worry -- things are fine. We just both need to appreciate and understand each other better.

Well, transfers are coming up soon. It's crazy how time has flown by! And here I am in the start of my 6th month of the Mission. Wow. . . Well, obviously, we can't know ahead of time if we'll be transferred or not. . . But I would love to stay in Izumo another transfer! Elder Kobayashi got three transfers here, so maybe I will too! We'll see!

I've Got Sunshine... On a Cloudy Day

Wow I needed that phone call this morning! It was so good getting to hear and talk with you all! Sundy, like you said: I'm starting to feel that I'm closer to all of you now than I was at the MTC. It's funny, I was there ten minutes away but it felt a whole world away. And now that I am actually a whole world away, I don't feel so far anymore!

I still have things to talk about even after that wonderful phone call, so I'll start with last week.

Last week's email probably seemed a little down because I was feeling down. . . Probably more than a little. Part of it might have just been the "Second Companion Syndrome" but something was tearing me up inside. And then I figured things out. Things clicked. . .

Here's what happened: I realized that I was dwelling on the things I thought my companion was doing wrong, his imperfections, and judging him without really realizing it. I was having a hard time giving him the brotherly love that companionships need because I wouldn't let go of those thoughts and feelings that were giving me grief. But then I made a resolve and became determined to love him somehow! Ever since then -- when I decided to just love him -- it has been like the cloud of inner turmoil just dispersed and whisked away. . .
So I'm doing fine! Yeah, sometimes he says a few things that bug me a little but then I think about Christ's example; how he loved everyone even though some people spit upon him, beat him, rejected him, and crucified him. If he was still able to keep perfect love for all men in spite of all of those things then there must be a way for me to love my companions, even if it's hard.

Don't get me wrong, my companion is amazing! Just listening to him teach has taught me a lot. Elder Atkin is smart, quick, and is able to tie things together and keep the people we're teaching entertained. I have been learning a lot from him, and have been able to realize once again that the Lord is in the work; that every missionary is where they are for a reason. The Lord has specific tasks for us.

Looking back, Kobayashi Choro and I really did work hard, even though I got those thoughts that I wasn't doing enough. However, it wasn't until Atkin Choro came that one of our investigators finally started progressing. It was like she just needed the right elder to come along with the right personality. Umetani-san -- we had two lessons with her last week! The first was a little unexpected because she thought we were coming on Thursday, but she let us meet with her anyway. Atkin choro asked her to read from the Restoration Pamphlet he had given her and to pray, ... lo and behold, the next day she had done what we had asked! AWESOME!!

Well, I am now the proud (in a good way ;) owner of a new bicycle! After the tire from the hand-me-down bike I had at the start was punctured, walking over an hour to get back home, and borrowing a ward member's mama chatti (a granny style bike with a basket in the front...) I finally have a bike that fits me. Can you picture it? Elder Peterson wearing a big white helmet on a granny bike with a basket in the front. . . Very stylish. . . Hah, I got some weird looks; if the looks could be translated into English they would have been something like:

"Whoah. . . who's that weird American riding a granny bike. .. HA!"

But, everything is fine!! A new bike! Hopefully it will last me all the way through the end of the mission here in Japan!

This week is Zone Conference at Okayama again. Then Atkin Choro will be riding back with a Japanese Bean-Chan (Tanaka Choro, from Chiba, Tokyo - he is really cool, I talked with him a lot before and after district meeting last week!) to Yonago for District Leader Exchange. Elder Gatchell from St. George will be riding with me back to Izumo. And then next week, we're doing Zone Leader exchanges, so I'll be headed back up to Matsue with Elder Mahoney this time. Sweet!

I'm looking forward to the packages that are on their way! Mmmm. . . Taco seasoning! And Kobayashi Choro left his tortillas in the freezer so we'll really be able to have tacos; this is exciting!

Hey, have you heard anymore news about Elder De Menezes? His companion after me in the MTC wrote to me and said he got put in the Salt Lake City South Mission. If that is the case, can you tell the Leatherwoods / Petersons / Aunt Sylvia to keep their eyes open for him and to give him baked goods if they see him! (Okay I guess you don't have to tell them about the baked goods, but it would be cool if you could send a little home-baked love to Elder De Menezes for me :)

Ooh, could someone try to find some cool stickers to send to me? Umetani san's 9 year old daughter saw the cool scripture stickers that Kobayashi Choro and I had and wants some. I gave her a few and I don't want you to buy her that particular kind because it is expensive, I hear. But if you can find any other type of sticker that is similar (slightly see-through. . . if possible. If not that's okay too) and mail them here so I can give them to her? I imagine she'd just like any kind of sticker that 9 year old girls would like, maybe disney or princesses. . . Thank you! Sorry for the trouble :)

Wow, it's just so funny to see how much a person can learn from serving a mission. I mean I still don't know a lot (at least that's what it feels like), but I'm constantly having new insights! I even found a new appreciation for washing the dishes. It's good thinking time, maybe that's why Dad does the dishes so much (or maybe just that I wasn't as willing to do chores as I should have been. . .)

I can't think of a better place to be! I need to be here right now. This mission really is something that I needed to do. And it seems like the more time that passes, the more I lose those slight feelings of wanting to go home. "To lose is to find, and to find is to lose" (a concept from the scriptures that was actually used in one of my favorite video games. . . tee hee).


Just know that I really do love all of you, and that I'm doing okay! Life is beautiful! Every day is a gift, that's why "today" is called "the present" :)

A Whole New Transfer ...

... a dazzling place I never knew ;)

Dear Family,
I love you and miss you!

Yes, as the subject line suggested, a new transfer started today. My new companion, Elder Atkin came on Thursday. Wow, watching Elder Kobayashi ride off in a bus was another one of those really weird experiences! I then rode back to the apartment with a ward member where I stayed alone for a whopping 10 hours till Elder Atkin arrived. It was long, but I survived.

Oh yeah, I'd like to set up the phone call that's coming this week. Make sure you get everything figured out so we can enjoy a nice conversation, up to an hour I believe. :) I am SOOOOO excited! Oooh, and I'm going to be sending out a little mother's day package today, with a few of my favorite Japanese goodies (Hi-Chews and Black Thunder) and the tape I'm just about done with. It probably won't get there in time for Mother's Day, but hopefully not too long after.

Okay, onto the week's events:
Wednesday night, Elder Kobayashi and I went out for sushi before FHE. I actually tried the raw squid, and it wasn't too bad. I'm getting more and more used to raw fish. Sushi bar trips are so much fun!

At FHE we watched Labor of Love, followed by a powerful testimony from Elder Kobayashi. I couldn't understand everything but as with most spiritual experiences, I guess spoken language doesn't always matter very much. And we had three non-members there, including one of our investigators that we had lost touch with, Miura-san. Our last lesson with her was at the end of March, but she has appeared again, so hopefully we'll start up with her again soon.

Well as Elder Atkin and I walked back to the apartment with his luggage we were talking a bit. He looks really familiar. I told him that and he said he was famous. I know he was probably just joking, but I guess his family lives in Oklahoma and has an Atkin line of beef or something. Maybe. . . Hah, anyway.

I can tell that this transfer is going to be completely different from the last one. For one thing, even though I'm the junior companion, I'm the area senior so that means I have to know where I'm going. . . And like yesterday, I got us a little lost trying to find Miura-san's apartment, which we never did find. Yes, we found it on the map, but the map is really hard to read, especially since the helpful over view map was ripped out of the book and we can only find half of it. . .

So, looks like Elder Atkin and I are going to be starting up a Kid's Eikaiwa class this week, (Eikaiwa = English Conversation). It's supposed to be one of the most effective activities to find people to teach here. Izumo's Eikaiwa kind of died back when there was a Brazilian and a Japanese elder, and then two Japanese elders in the area. Yeah, they had one Friday night a month for Eikaiwa, which I taught last month, but I think I was a little boring. Anyway, Elder Atkin loves kids, and he's a pretty "genki" (upbeat or energetic) person, so this Kid's Eikaiwa thing should work out pretty well. We even got a couple of our investigator families interested in the class, so this could lead to more interaction with them!

For our weekly service, we had been going to a rest home to talk with the obaachans and ojiichans (grandmas and grandpas), but it looks like that's probably going to change. I feel a little bad, because there were a couple of people in particular that Elder Kobayashi and I had a pretty good relationship with. Kuruma-san, this nice old grandma was even a little sad to think that Kobayashi choro would be transferred.

But, I guess as far as people to teach from service efforts goes, it wasn't all that effective. Looks like we're going to try and start working more with some of the schools around here, like English tutoring and such. We'll see how it all works out.

Wow, we did a lot of walking this weekend -- especially when my tire popped on the way back from a far-investigator's house. . . Hah, I'll tell you more about that when you call.

Well my dear family, I am greatly looking forward to talking with you this coming weekend. I need a phone call, it'll be a nice emotional relaxer for me. Even though this whole experience can be a big emotional stress every once in a while, I'm glad to be here. I'm undergoing a lot of valuable training and learning a lot of things that I know will help me later on in life. I'm learning more about how to rely on the Lord, and how to let him really take your pains and worries.

My study is improving, it feels a lot better!

Thank you for your prayers and love, I need them so much!!
Hear you on Sunday!!

Some Scary, Some Miracles, Still Loving Japan

Good news, we're at the Science Center! So that means more email time. I had a chance to read through emails for once! Please send my love to the Greens. I am so thankful for this gospel. Losing loved ones is still hard, but we know where we're from, why we're here, and where we're going! This life is not all there is. This knowledge has kept me going. I remember one night back when I was in elementary school. I couldn't sleep, thinking about death. I was so scared, so afraid of dying. . . So sad about the ones I loved dying. . . I don't know why, I was only in elementary school but still. . . I guess the Plan of Salvation just hadn't clicked with me yet. But now it has. Now, I'm not deathly afraid of death. Now I know that I will see the ones I love again.

Last week started with a "District" Preparation Day, a trip to Izumo Taisha. Yeah, Elder Kobayashi and I had been there before, but this was the first time that everyone was able to come to Izumo. And we got to go to the museum this time; there is a lot of rich history here. Oh, and we were crossing this small bridge to get to the main Taisha area, and it was just so. . . so JAPAN! Green everywhere, a little river/canal running north and south in between a tunnel created with humongous trees on the sides, leaves everywhere. . . mystical!!!

That night at FHE, we had the same non-member who's been coming every week for quite a few weeks! She's one of the ward member's friends. We watched Testaments. I hope she felt the spirit, because I did - every time I watch that movie. Now we just have to find a good way to invite her to be taught.

Tuesday, while coming back from a member's house (who fed us a truly cultural lunch; look up daikon and renkon, see if you can find some pictures. Slightly interesting, but delicious, ooh takenoko (bamboo shoots) too.

I had a slightly scary experience. We were biking down this hill. On the way up, it was like the hill of death. SO steep, but we kept biking and overcame. . . Anyway, we were going maybe a little fast. . . But suddenly, from my upper peripheral vision, I saw a shape break loose from the branches over my head. I thought it was a branch, and ducked for some reason, but looked up to see that it was a bird, a big hawk or something. I had this. . . prompting(?) to pay attention to the road, which snapped my head instantly downward in time to see a car speeding around the bend, hidden seconds before. I slammed on the breaks, as did they I hope, and didn't make contact. Don't worry, I'm usually safe but I have been making a more controlled effort to not go too fast since. . . Scary.

So, it's not really a ghost story. BUT, kind of freaky (yeah, this week was filled with interesting experiences). I think I told you about Tony (the man from China) a few weeks ago. He told us he was moving, and had given us the address of his friend's house where he would be living. On Tuesday, during the exchange, Elder Kobayashi and Elder Mahoney went to try to find the new place. They found it, but no one was home. They found a man before hand that had said something like "Yeah, you should probably get headed home, before it gets dark." So yes, maybe I went in with a pre-conceived notion that it would be scary. . . But on Saturday, after biking 30 minutes to get to this awesome, mountain-side country area (it had been raining hard earlier in the day, by the way). We biked under this huge, tall train track bridge, sweet. . . Oh, and it was dark the whole time. We get to the hill by Tony's new residence. Too steep to bike, so we walked our bikes up. Perhaps it was the noise of dogs barking in the distance, the abundance of Japanese grave sites, or the creepy far-from-civilization feeling, but I started to get a little nervous. We got to the house, the light suddenly turned on (making me jump a little). And then I jumped again when I saw two figures behind us, only to realize it was just our reflection in one of the street mirrors that are everywhere here in Japan. Yeah, I felt as if I was in one of those horror films or something. Thankfully someone was home - Tony's friend. He let us know that Tony hadn't moved yet. Getting back to our bikes, I looked a bit further up the hill to this tall building. Elder Kobayashi said they had handed out a book of Mormon at a house near the building last time. He also said the building was some kind of factory. Part of me wanted to check it out. . . But the bigger part was saying "GET OUT OF HERE!" So yeah, maybe I'm dramatizing things a bit. . . But it kind of felt like there were eyes following us as we rode down the hill, I didn't feel comfortable until we had gotten back to the main road. . . Whoah. . . Creepy.

Onto more happy subjects! Yesterday we had Branch Conference. The Stake Presidency was there. Stake President Swaysey! He's an American! He looked familiar too. His Japanese was flawless though. He's probably in his late 50's. As usual, I couldn't understand a lot of what was being said, but I picked up parts. And there was a prior Izumo-serving Missionary in the congregation, Sister Utsumi. She lives in Kobe, and it turns out that Elder Everts, my first district leader at the MTC, is serving in her area, and home ward. Small world!

After the meeting, they had a Branch lunch. Awesome! I was able to chat a bit with some of the various visitors from Okayama who were there (Izumo Branch is in the Okayama Stake). I mean, I'm still not very good conversationally, but I am actually able to talk with people! Like this nice Stake Presidency Member that went to UVSC ten years ago. I'm still not very skilled at contacting though. I'm trying to look for ways to be better, and speak more naturally. To not try to just force some repetitious schpeel out, but to really try to talk to people. I don't know how, but I made a resolve to just have faith and say "I can" in my head as opposed to "I can't".

So, we went housing afterward. We found a 16 year old boy named Hirai, who just happens to have the same birthday as me. AWESOME!! He had interest in learning about Christianity, he had studied a bit in school before. We gave him a Book of Mormon. It might be a little difficult because of possible opposition from the parents, but I will go forward with faith!

Then the miralce! After an awesome contact which ended with handing out a Plan of Salvation pamphlet to an interested woman, we housed along the complex with not too much success. But then we found Sakioka san. We asked her if missionaries had ever come by before. She said yes. It turns out that quite some time ago, she was an investigator. The Missionaries had given her a Book of Mormon, but then had returned to America. She wasn't in the area book, it must have been a LONG time ago. She was a little busy, but honestly said that we could come back later. Then, on our way down the stairs, her daughter came running out to give us a bag of fruit and wish us good luck! AWESOME!!

I am happy to be here. Yes, I get a little down at times but then I pick myself back up. Please pray for me as I try to work on my contacting skills. I love you so much!!

Birthday and Zone Conference

My dear marvelous, spectacular loved ones!

I got the birthday packages on Thursday April 16th, the morning after we got back from Zone Conference. Thank you soooooo much! It's fine that I didn't get them on the 14th because technically it wasn't really the 14th yet on the American Timeline anyway, so it's all good.

Last Monday night, we had a little birthday dinner at a nice Japanese Family restaurant "Joyful". Kobayashi Choro payed for my meal!! What a swell companion!

Okay, Zone Conference was AMAZING! Even the 4-hour bus ride was spectacular. I sat there staring out the window almost the whole time, drinking in the beautiful Japanese scenery. I think I'm over the dream phase, but still, I'm living my dream every day.

So we get to Okayama, it was nice to be back in the big city scene. Not as big as Hiroshima but lots of tall buildings. We stopped at a little imported foods store and bought some goodies. I selected BBQ Pringles. . . mmmm. . . :)

We met up at the church in Okayama and had a meeting about General Conference. It was so much fun! There were three zones there, I think. We split up into groups of 6. Some of the groups talked in English, but I was the only "bean chan" in my group so it was in Japanese. BUT I did pick up some of it. Still, the hardest part is listening, but I'm getting better, slowly.

That night was so much fun. There were so many elders in one apartment. . . don't worry, in spite of all the fun I still made it to bed on time. . . But I had forgotten my pajamas, but that's okay. I ALWAYS forget something whenever I go on camp-outs or overnighters.

The next morning, Elder Evans gave an awesome conference. He talked a lot about referrals, especially working with recently baptized members. Well, we don't have any recently baptized members in Izumo, but that will change soon. I left the conference with a new resolve to be better and try harder; life is good!

I wish I could remember more from the conference to say. I did take notes, but they're at home. Just know that I am starting to gain a greater testimony that the leaders in our Church really are inspired with what to say to us, and how to help us.

Yes, thank you for those DVD's, I was SOOOO excited. And the CD's are amazing. Really, holy cow. Those Birthday packages were so wonderful, and I am very thankful and appreciative!

I loved the tape. Thank you for your love, and know that I have nothing but love for you!

Okay, so a bit more about the sights and sounds, descriptive stuffs, etc. On Saturday, we went with the branch president to take invitations for Branch Conference to less-active members. Some of them lived DEEP in the Japanese mountain side. What a blessing it was. Oh my goodness, the mountain air, the little mountain villages nestled among all the lush green trees and rivers, wedged up into the mountain sides. And we had to travel through a really long tunnel to get there. I got so excited as we neared the end of the tunnel for some reason. And then we exited; it was breathtaking. I am in paradise. My mind was brimming with story ideas. I just have to write them down, and save them for use after the mission I guess.

Sorry for the short length of this email. The science center was closed today and out of the thirty minutes the library gave us, ten were spent waiting for the connection to the LDS mail service to go through. I really will send more in the future. I love you, and I promise that next week's email will be brimming with color, sight, sound, smell, and description.

Thank you my dear family, and please let Sister Green know that I love her!

Love,
Elder Peterson

Snail Mail; April 6th

Dear Family,
This morning a really nice lady, Fukushira San, paid for our lunch at a nice hotel buffet. She's an Eikaiwa (English Class student) and has been, for about 20 years -- still not a member. But she's really kind and loves the missionaries. It was so nice of her, and so nice to eat while overlooking some of Izumo's only Sakura trees in full bloom.

So, I got a letter from Grandma and Grandpa. Jared got called to Guatemala??!! Awesome!

Something happened at Family Home Evening that gave me a little boost. While we were packing up on our bicycles, one of the members -- Aiko Yamato, started talking to a fellow member, probably not knowing that I could understand her. Something to the effect of, "Wow, most bean-chans (greenies) don't talk very much at first. He's pretty smart." I don't talk a lot; my conversational skills still aren't very good. But I'm trying, and someone making a comment like that made me really happy!

I'm really going to kick into gear. The Lord is preparing people to talk with us. He's just waiting for me to step up and prove that I'm willing to talk with everyone. So I will. I have had some amazing experiences when I have opened my mouth. Wow. The power is real. I just have to be bold and open my mouth.

Love you!
Elder Peterson

It's All Good!

This week has been so wonderful. Not the least of which was getting to watch General Conference yesterday and the day before in English! I hope you paid special attention to Elder Holland's talk on the Savior and His atonement, what a power house. Oh and Dad, President Uchtdorf's and President Eyring's talks from the Priesthood Session were my favorites. I felt as if they were directed at me.

So this week has been filled with a lot of bugs in my eye, brought on by the recent increase in temperature. Along with the bugs, the local politicians got out and about, broadcasting their positions over loud speakers as they drove around town. Really, it was quite funny. I've never seen or heard anything like it in Utah. I don't mean this in a negative way at all. I love Japan! The loud speakers did kind of remind me of Big Brother (from the book Nineteen Eighty-Four) though. Heh. . . And in some of the Politician Pictures the candidates had a fist along with their face, "determined" or something. I love it! I love these people! I love being in Japan! And when that adversary with his myriad of sinner's tricks tries to fool me into focusing on "burnt-out light bulbs" or think that I'm not good enough to be here, I just say a prayer, look around and remember where I am, and why I'm here.

Miracles. So remember how I wanted to start talking to more people? Well, Tuesday I set a goal. I had just been passing by a lot of people, so I decided to try and stop just two people who would have been difficult to try and talk to. So I did it, and no, they didn't talk to us. But then we found Tony - yes, it was in the night, and might be seen as unconnected, but I think it might be because I started making more of an effort. Tony is from China, here at the local Shimane University working on some doctorate research. He speaks English really well, and just about as much Japanese as I do, so we talked in English. Looks like he remembers some missionaries from about two years before. He was really friendly, and seemed to be interested in what we had to say. He said they had given him a book, but he couldn't find it. So we went last night to give him a new copy of the book of Mormon. . . And it looks like he's moving. . . BUT! The good new is, that it's only about 30 minutes away by bike. And, he seemed interested in coming to church! So who knows!

The next day I upped my goal to six people. Then BOOM. That night we were housing and spoke with Mr. Miura, a former investigator from six years ago. He had taken the discussions, loved the missionaries and ward parties, but upon being challenged to be baptized, stopped meeting with them for some reason. He was really nice, so we're going to try to meet with him some more. We went back to try and visit with him last night but he wasn't home. His wife came out, but didn't roll back the door (sliding doors in Japan by the way, usually). "Who is it?" Elder Kobayashi started to say, "We're Missionaries from the Church. . ." She responded with "Ii desu," which literally means "I'm good," but which can be translated to mean, "I'm not interested, please go away." So. .. we don't really know how this is all going to work out, but it will.

I fought a little bit with despair. Satan would love for me to give in to despair, but I won't. I know that if we do the best we can, the Lord will provide a way. These precious people will be able to come unto the Savior, if they are ready, and if they want to.

Tomorrow, we're taking a four-hour bus ride to Okayama for a Zone Conference on Wednesday. I'm excited, I love the meetings here! And I love President Isa. Every time I meet with him, he prays with such power. He prays in Japanese, so I can't always understand what he's saying, but he's always filled with the spirit and love for me and for this work.

I was having a problem with my debit card. . . hah. . . turns out the only problem was that I was inserting the card in upside down, because that's the way you do it in most machines. A big panic for nothing. . . . Heh, it's all good!

Oh, family, can you snail mail me some info about George Albert Smith? Some stories? Knowing some stories about ancestors is a big deal here. Ooh, and sometime in the future, send some taco seasoning packets?

Till next week, I hope you all have a wonderful time enjoying the spring that has sprung upon us (at least in Izumo anyway).

Sharing the Gospel: No More Comfort Zone

I was very excited Thursday afternoon after a lesson with Umetani san when she agreed to come to Church with her daughter on Sunday! Alas, the opposition that seems to never cease from the adversary got in the way. It looks like her husband doesn't really like religion, and she didn't want to cause any problems. We tried calling again later to see if she could come, but alas this week was no good. The good thing: she wants to come to church! So, we're still praying that the way will be opened for her, and I know it will!

Wednesday was a Zone Meeting and interview session with President Isa. They did most of the meeting in Japanese, and most of it flew by me. However, I did get some of the gist of it, and there were parts that they did in English too, so that's good. It made me so excited. I keep hearing of miracles, and coming up soon, there are six people in the Kure area about to be baptised. SIX, in the same area, it is possible!!!

However, I haven't been giving it as much as I should be. There was an article from March's Ensign from Elder Don R.Clarke, Learning to Share the Gospel. The article was talking about people being placed in the Missionaries' path because they were striving to talk to everyone. The Lord knew that he could trust them to talk with everyone, so that's why He was placing the people there. I want this to be fulfilled in my mission, and for some reason, I've been hiding behind some kind of comfort zone barrier. I've resolved to stop. I want the blessings. I want to help these people, I want my mission to mean something. And if I can just step up to the bat to do my part in really talking with everyone, I'm going to start seeing a lot more miracles.

From March's presidency message, near the end, Pres. Monson talked about a story where he made a promise to one of his missionaries that would be fulfilled if he honestly and diligently served God in proclaiming His message. Well, the first night at the Mission Home, I received a promise too. It wasn't a real formal one. After a lot of awesome Japanese conversation that I didn't understand, President Isa asked us new Missionaries: "Did you understand that?" Obviously we hadn't. "You will."

So there I have it. I have received a promise from my mission president that I will understand this language, and that I will be able to communicate with these wonderful, kind, amazing people. He didn't talk about the underlying sacrifice/commitment to do my best that's involved, but I know it's there.

So please pray for me that I can just burst out of my comfort zone. I know, I've done scarier things, but at Ft. Leonard Wood (ROTC/National Guard) the consequences for lack of action were a lot more obvious and painful. These consequences are subtle and spiritually painful. I can do this. I know I can, but only with divine help. I will do my part.

I love you. I am so blessed. The lord's tender mercies are so evident sometimes.

Still Dreaming? Maybe.

I got your package, family! Thank you SOOOO MUCH! I love snickers!

We used both the snickers and puzzle yesterday in our lesson with the Nishimura family. We had a little Plan of Salvation game drawn on a piece of paper, and used the puzzle as each player advanced. And then at the end, they received "the reward."

I am still loving life in Izumo! It is so wonderful here! I think the adversary has been trying to work on me a lot this week. But don't worry, I'm not going to let him get me down.

Thank you for all the wonderful emails! We ran out of time today, so I don't have much left, but I will email lots next week.

We went with Miura San (an investigator) and Yoneda Kyodai (Brother Yoneda) to Izumo Taisha. It's a famous locale with a lot of really cool, ancient Japanese buildings. I was in paradise the whole time. Then we ate at a famous Soba resturant. It was very interesting. . . Traditional japanese food and Soba Cha tea :) Look up Izumo Taisha on google for some pictures.

Then we drove to Gunnan to see the Sakura blossoms and walk through this wonderful little matsuri (street carnival). Ah, what a wonderful day! I will send pictures as soon as I can.

Till next week,
Elder Peterson

1st E-mail From Japan: Pinch Me

My Dearest family, loved ones, friends, and whoever else might read this:
こんいちは！！！　（Ｋｏｎｎｉｃｈｉ　ｗａ）
(sorry if there are repeats - writing English on this keyboard is a little tricky. Yes, it has English letters, but it's designed for Japanese.)
So much has happened in the last week, so many awesome and crazy Japanese adventures that it's hard for me to believe that this is real. Please, pinch me, I must still be dreaming.

Well, I'll start off with a request: Please write! Every letter I get is like a Christmas present. Family, you're exempt because of the email thing :).

Here's my current address:
Elder Paul Gregory Peterson
Izumo-shi, Watarihashi-cho,
469 Loftee KS 202
693-0004 Japan

So, we arrived at the Tokyo Narita airport a little after 3:00PM. We had a little layover before boarding the flight to Hiroshima. There were a lot of marines on our flight. I guess there's a military base near Iwakuni/Yanai. I'll let you know if I ever get transfered there.

I had my first contacting experience while we were waiting for the Hiroshima flight. There was a teenager sitting next to me, so I started up a conversation using my "Kikuchi Card" (they pick the most important item on the card, and we relate it to the gospel). It's still hard for me to express myself as much as I want to, but it was a good experience. I gave her a pamphlet for the Plan of Salvation. Sugoi!

So, we got to Hiroshima, and I smelled the poignant sea air as we walked from the plane to the airport's interior. I love that smell, it brings me back to those wonderful Ft. Monroe days.

We approached the baggage claim and saw our welcoming party - a group of Elders holding a "Welcome to the Japan Hiroshima Mission" sign. We couldn't talk to them because they were beyond the point-of-no-return glass doors, and we had point-of-no-return glass doors, and we had to wait for our luggage. That part was kind of awkward, but then all was good, and we proceeded. They were the Assistants to the Mission President. One who was heading home a couple of days later (whom I later found out was from Brazil) spoke almost no Japanese or English at the start of his mission, but then became fluent! The same will happen for Elder De Menezes! I know it!

President Isa is amazing. Wow, he is a spiritual rock. I wish you could meet him. I really am so lucky to be here. And to be here at this time. Everyone keeps saying that miracles are happening all over the mission. They don't know what it is, but that now is a good time to be here.

Sister Isa got your email mom, she told me to say Hello. Wow, she's like my new mom. My Japanese mom.

Ah! We got to go to the Hiroshima Peace Park. That hadn't been done with new missionaries before. Again, I got lucky! The feeling there was, wow ... It was very solemn. It made me think about the atonement in a different light. It made me think a bit more about how much Christ suffered for us, and how he felt all of the pain that those at Hiroshima felt.

Here's my spiritual thought portion: There is no pain, no fear, no worry, no grief, no heartache, and no struggle that the atonement cannot heal. Yes, some things might be more difficult to overcome, might take a little bit more time, but in the end, through Christ, all can be made whole.

That night we found out about our new areas and trainers. (After doing a little streeting, I went with one of the AP's - Elder Nielsen. We found two people who gave us numbers!!!! No way! One of them from me pulling out the kikuchi card semi-randomly, and then the other was a former investigator from a different area, but he moved to Hiroshima. AWESOME!

The next morning, I was accompanied to the station and rode the bus by myself to Izumo. Funny story: we took a pit stop somewhere. I thought the driver said that we would be taking a 33 minute break. It was actually that we'd be leaving at 9:33. haha good thing I went back to the bus anyway.

I talked with a nice man next to me. I was so afraid for some reason. It seemed like he would be kind of gruff or unfriendly. Nope, quite friendly. I gave him a pass-along card after talking a bit about families.

The Branch President was there (Yamane Kaicho - kaicho is the title for branch president) with Elder Kobayashi to pick me up! Elder Kobayashi is so cool! Sister Isa said he doesn't speak very much English, and yes, we mostly speak Japanese, and sometimes I understand ... but that's ok. I want to immerse myself! Even though I can't completely understand everything that's been said.

Yesterday at church, I felt as if I had come home. Wow, the people are so amazing. The branch is a little small, but the saints here are rock solid. They're all so familiar, and I feel their love. I'll try to send pictures of these beautiful people sometime: Hamamura, Sasaki, Sato, Kozumi, Maniwa, Maejima, Yoneda, they are all so warm and welcoming! (those are just a few names)

There's no way that I'll be able to tell you everything that's happening here. That'll have to wait for when I get back. But don't worry, I made a goal to write in my journal everyday, and I'll keep it!

Really, every day feels like a dream. I'm living in a Japanese apartment, sleeping on a futon on the floor, eating real Japanese food, seeing real Japanese scenery, and interacting with real Japanese people. I don't want this to end. I have never been happier. I am home.

Love, your son who just might be turning Japanese

P.S. Feel free to send packages of cookies or goodies to Elder De Menezes. He hardly ever got any mail, and he would love that!